The Review recommended a public health model for the delivery and oversight of health services across the adult custodial corrections system. It also recommended more comprehensive, regular and culturally safe access to health checks and a holistic approach to health, wellbeing and rehabilitation for Aboriginal women.
From 1 July 2023, public health providers will deliver healthcare at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre (DPFC) and Tarrengower prisons, offering all women in custody greater support from a network of community and specialist providers.
In addition, from 1 July 2023, all men’s public prisons will have a new primary health service provider delivering enhanced services under a new Healthcare Services Quality Framework, to provide people in custody with high-quality primary healthcare.
Work is already underway to implement a regular health check for Aboriginal people in custody, consistent with the Medicare Benefit Scheme item 715 – as recommended by the Review.
The Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Health and relevant stakeholders to support better health outcomes for people in custody
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